Many years ago I resolved never to bother with New Year's resolutions, and I've stuck with it ever since. ~ Dave Beard

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” John 14

People are pretty consistent about being inconsistent. I long for a different genre of consistency. It will be wonderful when I no longer live with a divided self--what I really want will no longer conflict with lesser wants. This is the healing offered to us in the gospel of Christ. Our divided soul is promised peace.  Conversations Within” ts 12/26/2013 (Winder, GA)

Many years ago I resolved never to bother with New Year's resolutions, and I've stuck with it ever since. ~ Dave Beard

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” John 14

People are pretty consistent about being inconsistent. I long for a different genre of consistency. It will be wonderful when I no longer live with a divided self--what I really want will no longer conflict with lesser wants. This is the healing offered to us in the gospel of Christ. Our divided soul is promised peace.  Conversations Within” ts 12/26/2013 (Winder, GA)

“The line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?” ― Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

“Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom.12

We all have heard the adage which advises ”fight fire with fire.” I am sure this has application where evil is concerned. Not that we fight evil with evil, but we seek to halt its progress in the best possible way and the best way sometimes may be the only way. Sometimes the only way to save a life is to cut off an arm. Cutting off an arm may look evil but it is not. Love sometimes has to make hard choices but it is still love because it not only seeks what is best but seeks it in the best way even if it is the only way. Conversations Within” ts 12/20/2013 (Winder, GA)

“The line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?” ― Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

“Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom.12

We all have heard the adage which advises ”fight fire with fire.” I am sure this has application where evil is concerned. Not that we fight evil with evil, but we seek to halt its progress in the best possible way and the best way sometimes may be the only way. Sometimes the only way to save a life is to cut off an arm. Cutting off an arm may look evil but it is not. Love sometimes has to make hard choices but it is still love because it not only seeks what is best but seeks it in the best way even if it is the only way. Conversations Within” ts 12/20/2013 (Winder, GA)

We cannot hear the good news that God wants to save us if we refuse to hear the bad news that we saving.

“For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.” Jesus

Let me be the first to say that I need God’s forgiveness. I fear for any generation who is offended when they are told that they need this grace. When Jesus tells us He did not come to condemn us but save us, our politically correct society is insulted that God would make the judgment that we need saving. If we do not admit our wrongs how can they be made right? How can we be healed if we will not admit that we are sick? Conversations Within” ts 12/24/2013 (Winder, GA)

We cannot hear the good news that God wants to save us if we refuse to hear the bad news that we saving.

“For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.” Jesus

Let me be the first to say that I need God’s forgiveness. I fear for any generation who is offended when they are told that they need this grace. When Jesus tells us He did not come to condemn us but save us, our politically correct society is insulted that God would make the judgment that we need saving. If we do not admit our wrongs how can they be made right? How can we be healed if we will not admit that we are sick? Conversations Within” ts 12/24/2013 (Winder, GA)

'If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name at a Swiss Bank.' Woody Allen

“This shall be a sign for you…” Luke 2

Signs were given at the first coming and so signs are given for the second. The twofold question is do I know the signs and am I following them? Many signs were spoken of by Jesus in Matthew 24, but one stands out, at least in my mind. We are warned that “the love of many will grow cold.” In spite of this, we are told to keep on keeping on where love is concerned and be found expressing it to everyone as we wait for His return. This is just His way of saying, “Keep your eye on the ball.”   Conversations Within” ts 12/20/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

'If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name at a Swiss Bank.' Woody Allen

“This shall be a sign for you…” Luke 2

Signs were given at the first coming and so signs are given for the second. The twofold question is do I know the signs and am I following them? Many signs were spoken of by Jesus in Matthew 24, but one stands out, at least in my mind. We are warned that “the love of many will grow cold.” In spite of this, we are told to keep on keeping on where love is concerned and be found expressing it to everyone as we wait for His return. This is just His way of saying, “Keep your eye on the ball.”   Conversations Within” ts 12/20/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

“All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.” J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

“And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake." Jesus

We trust our pharmacist to fill our prescriptions correctly, our doctors to prescribe them, and scores of people we do not know to research and prove them safe and effective. We actually trust the government to regulate all of this. Even though we can be betrayed at any step along the way we take our meds anyway. Trust is integral to daily life. A wise faith does not deny the use of reason, it demands it.  Conversations Within” ts

“All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.” J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

“And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake." Jesus

We trust our pharmacist to fill our prescriptions correctly, our doctors to prescribe them, and scores of people we do not know to research and prove them safe and effective. We actually trust the government to regulate all of this. Even though we can be betrayed at any step along the way we take our meds anyway. Trust is integral to daily life. A wise faith does not deny the use of reason, it demands it.  Conversations Within” ts

“For the darkness shall turn to dawning, And the dawning to noonday bright; And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth, The kingdom of love and light.” H. Er­nest Ni­chol

“You are the light of the world.” Jesus

What will I do this day to advance the cause of Christ’s Kingdom? And what is His kingdom but the the Kingdom of love and light. I would love in word and deed and shine the light of His truth not in the face of neighbors but on the path to help them find it. Light serves best not when it blinds but when it shines.  Conversations Within” ts 12/13/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

“For the darkness shall turn to dawning, And the dawning to noonday bright; And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth, The kingdom of love and light.” H. Er­nest Ni­chol

“You are the light of the world.” Jesus

What will I do this day to advance the cause of Christ’s Kingdom? And what is His kingdom but the the Kingdom of love and light. I would love in word and deed and shine the light of His truth not in the face of neighbors but on the path to help them find it. Light serves best not when it blinds but when it shines.  Conversations Within” ts 12/13/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

”The magic of Christmas in not in the presents but in His presence.” Unknown

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1

The magic of Christmas morning has etched itself into the memories of those who celebrate it. It has left its mark on our hearts. Its joy has become a measure of some our most exciting and wonderful moments. What if all of life shared the ambience of a Christmas morning? To embrace that “Joy” which has come into the world, is to live with the hope of waking every morning to its magic when the Lord will come not as a baby but as our everlasting King. Conversations Within” ts 12/18/2013 (Selma, AL)

”The magic of Christmas in not in the presents but in His presence.” Unknown

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1

The magic of Christmas morning has etched itself into the memories of those who celebrate it. It has left its mark on our hearts. Its joy has become a measure of some our most exciting and wonderful moments. What if all of life shared the ambience of a Christmas morning? To embrace that “Joy” which has come into the world, is to live with the hope of waking every morning to its magic when the Lord will come not as a baby but as our everlasting King. Conversations Within” ts 12/18/2013 (Selma, AL)

“The shepherd always tries to persuade the sheep that their interests and his own are the same.” Stendhal

“Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh.” Mark 13

The shepherds were keeping watch when Jesus came the first time; I wonder who will be  

keeping watch when He comes the second. How firmly is it fixed in my daily schedule to look for the second coming of Christ. Can it be said that the activities of this day are centered around the realization of all that it means for the Kingdom of God to come to this world? Loving others is the only way to be sure. Conversations Within” ts 12/13/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

“The shepherd always tries to persuade the sheep that their interests and his own are the same.” Stendhal

“Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh.” Mark 13

The shepherds were keeping watch when Jesus came the first time; I wonder who will be  

keeping watch when He comes the second. How firmly is it fixed in my daily schedule to look for the second coming of Christ. Can it be said that the activities of this day are centered around the realization of all that it means for the Kingdom of God to come to this world? Loving others is the only way to be sure. Conversations Within” ts 12/13/2013 (Hayneville, AL)

Shepherds are chosen to hear of Jesus’ birth perhaps because they keep watch over flocks and part of Christ’s principal message reminds us that we are our brother’s keeper.

“And there were shepherds keeping watch over their flocks at night.” Luke 2

Much is said in the Good Book about keeping watch. It is easy to be lulled to sleep and forget that one of the reasons we are put here is to care for others.The Christmas story was told first to shepherds and what is a shepherd but one who keeps watch over those who need watching. We all need watching over and we all need to stand watch over the well being of our neighbor. Conversations Within” ts 12/10/2013 (Jax, FL)

Shepherds are chosen to hear of Jesus’ birth perhaps because they keep watch over flocks and part of Christ’s principal message reminds us that we are our brother’s keeper.

“And there were shepherds keeping watch over their flocks at night.” Luke 2

Much is said in the Good Book about keeping watch. It is easy to be lulled to sleep and forget that one of the reasons we are put here is to care for others.The Christmas story was told first to shepherds and what is a shepherd but one who keeps watch over those who need watching. We all need watching over and we all need to stand watch over the well being of our neighbor. Conversations Within” ts 12/10/2013 (Jax, FL)

“We hunger after the sweet nectar of happiness without understanding that it is harvested from the flowering field of good deeds.” Richelle E. Goodrich

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Jesus

Happiness is more a result than a pursuit. We get happiness not by chasing it but by having it follow in the wake of love, both giving and receiving it. But are we chasing happiness if we do good to others in order to get it? This is just the point Christ is making when He sanctions reward. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be happy; just in the silly and selfish ways we try to get it. Remember James S. Hewett’s story about happiness being in a dog’s tail.  One dog chases his tail but never catches it; another goes about his business and his tail follows him wherever he goes. Conversations Within” ts 12/16/2013 (Hayneville, FL)

“We hunger after the sweet nectar of happiness without understanding that it is harvested from the flowering field of good deeds.” Richelle E. Goodrich

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Jesus

Happiness is more a result than a pursuit. We get happiness not by chasing it but by having it follow in the wake of love, both giving and receiving it. But are we chasing happiness if we do good to others in order to get it? This is just the point Christ is making when He sanctions reward. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be happy; just in the silly and selfish ways we try to get it. Remember James S. Hewett’s story about happiness being in a dog’s tail.  One dog chases his tail but never catches it; another goes about his business and his tail follows him wherever he goes. Conversations Within” ts 12/16/2013 (Hayneville, FL)

“We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.” Mother Teresa

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus

If it is true that apart from Christ we can do nothing of lasting significance, then with Him, even the smallest deed can ripple a continuing goodness. How powerful are acts of love, how lasting is the fruit that comes from it’s small investments. To unselfishly seek the benefit of another, is to trust Christ, and for no other reason than because He told us that love is the path to joy. It is not surprising that many people have met Christ on this road instead of in a church gathering. Conversations Within” ts 12/16/2013 (Hayneville, FL)

“We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.” Mother Teresa

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus

If it is true that apart from Christ we can do nothing of lasting significance, then with Him, even the smallest deed can ripple a continuing goodness. How powerful are acts of love, how lasting is the fruit that comes from it’s small investments. To unselfishly seek the benefit of another, is to trust Christ, and for no other reason than because He told us that love is the path to joy. It is not surprising that many people have met Christ on this road instead of in a church gathering. Conversations Within” ts 12/16/2013 (Hayneville, FL)

It is no coincidence to me that the birth of Jesus has become the world's celebration of loving and gift giving.

“God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3

What a profound effect Jesus has had upon the world, but not always as He likes, I imagine. His followers do not always represent Him well. But surely the magic of the Christmas season is a pleasant aroma to Him. How precious that people think of others, become kinder to strangers, give presents to each other, and return home to celebrate. Our home coming is after all, the reason He came in the first place. Conversations Within” ts 12/9/2013 (Jax, FL)

It is no coincidence to me that the birth of Jesus has become the world's celebration of loving and gift giving.

“God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3

What a profound effect Jesus has had upon the world, but not always as He likes, I imagine. His followers do not always represent Him well. But surely the magic of the Christmas season is a pleasant aroma to Him. How precious that people think of others, become kinder to strangers, give presents to each other, and return home to celebrate. Our home coming is after all, the reason He came in the first place. Conversations Within” ts 12/9/2013 (Jax, FL)

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2

What is the Spirit of Christmas but God declaring an end to all hostilities between us? The healing has begun! Because of the gift of Jesus any and everyone can be free from the fear of condemning judgment. Those who experience this forgiveness will naturally accept it and then pass it freely to others. God desires to heal all hostilities and bind up everything that is broken.  Conversations Within” ts 12/12/2013 (Jax, FL)

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2

What is the Spirit of Christmas but God declaring an end to all hostilities between us? The healing has begun! Because of the gift of Jesus any and everyone can be free from the fear of condemning judgment. Those who experience this forgiveness will naturally accept it and then pass it freely to others. God desires to heal all hostilities and bind up everything that is broken.  Conversations Within” ts 12/12/2013 (Jax, FL)

"When you put good will out there it's amazing what can be accomplished." Paul Walker

“For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works.“ Eph.2

There are two equal but opposite errors where good works are concerned. The first occurs  when we trust them to gain God’s acceptance. The second is to dismiss their importance after we have accepted grace. God does not accept us because of our personal merit but because of grace. Once accepted, He fully intends to reshape us into expressions of abounding goodness. Good works are not the cause of salvation but they are certainly the result of it.  Conversations Within” ts 12/14/2013 (Jax, FL)

"When you put good will out there it's amazing what can be accomplished." Paul Walker

“For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works.“ Eph.2

There are two equal but opposite errors where good works are concerned. The first occurs  when we trust them to gain God’s acceptance. The second is to dismiss their importance after we have accepted grace. God does not accept us because of our personal merit but because of grace. Once accepted, He fully intends to reshape us into expressions of abounding goodness. Good works are not the cause of salvation but they are certainly the result of it.  Conversations Within” ts 12/14/2013 (Jax, FL)

“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” Nelson Mandela

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” Titus 3

I think each of us want to be remembered, not for what shames us but for what we are proud of, not our failures and faults but by what we did that was good. Even so, it will be a mistake to stand on our personal accomplishments when we stand before God. Our hope should not be that God will accept us because we have done more good than bad but because we have accepted God's forgiveness and grace offered to us solely because of Christ.If we would be accepted, accept Him.    Conversations Within” ts 12/11/2013 (Jax, FL)

“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” Nelson Mandela

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” Titus 3

I think each of us want to be remembered, not for what shames us but for what we are proud of, not our failures and faults but by what we did that was good. Even so, it will be a mistake to stand on our personal accomplishments when we stand before God. Our hope should not be that God will accept us because we have done more good than bad but because we have accepted God's forgiveness and grace offered to us solely because of Christ.If we would be accepted, accept Him.    Conversations Within” ts 12/11/2013 (Jax, FL)

“Like food is to the body, self-talk is to the mind. Don't let any junk thoughts repeat in your head.” Maddy Malhotra

“For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” Pro.23

Junk food is convenient, that explains why we eat it some of the time. It is also convenient to let unchecked thoughts run around in our head instead of harnessing our thoughts into some constructive and purposeful thinking. It is so much easier to complain than it is to be constructive. Disciplined thought requires deliberate thought.  Conversations Within” ts 12/7/2013 (Jax, FL)

“Like food is to the body, self-talk is to the mind. Don't let any junk thoughts repeat in your head.” Maddy Malhotra

“For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” Pro.23

Junk food is convenient, that explains why we eat it some of the time. It is also convenient to let unchecked thoughts run around in our head instead of harnessing our thoughts into some constructive and purposeful thinking. It is so much easier to complain than it is to be constructive. Disciplined thought requires deliberate thought.  Conversations Within” ts 12/7/2013 (Jax, FL)

“Our internal conversations characterize how we view the world and influence every part of our lives- relationships, achievements, attitude and ultimately our degree of happiness.” -- Todd Smith

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jer. 33

When you lose your way, give yourself a good talking to. Learning how to talk to yourself is an important part of staying focused on matters that matter, but only if what you tell yourself really matters. The only way we can discover what really matters is not by inventing it but by listening to the Source. God still speaks to those who will listen.  Conversations Within” ts 12/6/2013 (Jax, FL)

“Our internal conversations characterize how we view the world and influence every part of our lives- relationships, achievements, attitude and ultimately our degree of happiness.” -- Todd Smith

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jer. 33

When you lose your way, give yourself a good talking to. Learning how to talk to yourself is an important part of staying focused on matters that matter, but only if what you tell yourself really matters. The only way we can discover what really matters is not by inventing it but by listening to the Source. God still speaks to those who will listen.  Conversations Within” ts 12/6/2013 (Jax, FL)

Don’t water it down when speaking the truth to your heart; drink it straight.

“Speak the truth in love.” Eph.4

I have long known the value of speaking truth to my heart rather than listening to myself speak lies. I have long known it, but I still listen to lies. Most of the time, if I were to talk to myself like I would a friend or a child, I would tell myself the truth. Just about every selfish sentiment is a lie and every unselfish thought for others is the truth. Conversations Within” ts 12/5/2013 (Jax, FL)

Don’t water it down when speaking the truth to your heart; drink it straight.

“Speak the truth in love.” Eph.4

I have long known the value of speaking truth to my heart rather than listening to myself speak lies. I have long known it, but I still listen to lies. Most of the time, if I were to talk to myself like I would a friend or a child, I would tell myself the truth. Just about every selfish sentiment is a lie and every unselfish thought for others is the truth. Conversations Within” ts 12/5/2013 (Jax, FL)

We must often argue ourselves out of moods of doubt, worry and fear if we are to have a clear apprehension of God’s goodness and love for us.

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power...to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Eph.4

There is no doubt that God loves us. There is also no doubt that we doubt it from time to time. When we do, we must learn how to persuasively argue ourselves out of these moments, just as an athlete must talk himself into trying for a new personal record. There comes a time when certainty can be found only on the other side of going for it. What is God asking from you that is causing you to doubt His love? Go for it!  Conversations Within” ts 12/4/2013 (Jax, FL)

We must often argue ourselves out of moods of doubt, worry and fear if we are to have a clear apprehension of God’s goodness and love for us.

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power...to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Eph.4

There is no doubt that God loves us. There is also no doubt that we doubt it from time to time. When we do, we must learn how to persuasively argue ourselves out of these moments, just as an athlete must talk himself into trying for a new personal record. There comes a time when certainty can be found only on the other side of going for it. What is God asking from you that is causing you to doubt His love? Go for it!  Conversations Within” ts 12/4/2013 (Jax, FL)

“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” Brene Brown

“Whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Phil.4

It is easy to get in a rut. Zig Ziglar called it “Stinkin thinkin.” Nothing will clear the air like a fresh breath of goodness. Speak to your heart and remind yourself of all that is good and right and true. Talk to yourself like you would your best friend. Be your own best friend and tell yourself the truth.  Conversations Within” ts 12/3/2013 (Jax, FL)

“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” Brene Brown

“Whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Phil.4

It is easy to get in a rut. Zig Ziglar called it “Stinkin thinkin.” Nothing will clear the air like a fresh breath of goodness. Speak to your heart and remind yourself of all that is good and right and true. Talk to yourself like you would your best friend. Be your own best friend and tell yourself the truth.  Conversations Within” ts 12/3/2013 (Jax, FL)

“At any given moment you have the power to say this is not how the story is going to end.” Ritu Ghatourey

“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1

No matter how off course we have drifted, we have within us a particular grace, namely, the power to decide to get back on course. We may have messed up our health, our family, our soul but we can this moment decide to clean up the mess and turn things around. It may seem an impossible task but only if we try to do it alone. We don’t have to. With God nothing is impossible and He has assured us time and time again that He is more than willing to help.  If you don’t know where to start, start by asking Him.  Conversations Within” ts 12/1/2013 (Jax, FL)

“At any given moment you have the power to say this is not how the story is going to end.” Ritu Ghatourey

“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1

No matter how off course we have drifted, we have within us a particular grace, namely, the power to decide to get back on course. We may have messed up our health, our family, our soul but we can this moment decide to clean up the mess and turn things around. It may seem an impossible task but only if we try to do it alone. We don’t have to. With God nothing is impossible and He has assured us time and time again that He is more than willing to help.  If you don’t know where to start, start by asking Him.  Conversations Within” ts 12/1/2013 (Jax, FL)

“I know it is wet and the sun is not sunny, but we can have lots of good fun that is funny.” Dr. Seuss

“The Kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus

I once read a quote that said, “Bring your own sunshine.” The more I live under the teachings of Jesus the more I realize that Heaven, besides being a future home, is also a state of mind--an attitude that has the power to transform any place into an opportunity for pure delight. Never allow circumstances to stand in the way of joy; let joy flow from within you and enrich how things stand.  Conversations Within” ts 11/30/2013 (Jax, FL)

“I know it is wet and the sun is not sunny, but we can have lots of good fun that is funny.” Dr. Seuss

“The Kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus

I once read a quote that said, “Bring your own sunshine.” The more I live under the teachings of Jesus the more I realize that Heaven, besides being a future home, is also a state of mind--an attitude that has the power to transform any place into an opportunity for pure delight. Never allow circumstances to stand in the way of joy; let joy flow from within you and enrich how things stand.  Conversations Within” ts 11/30/2013 (Jax, FL)

“When you stop doing things for fun you might as well be dead.” Hemingway

““Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus

I love that childhood excitement that dances in me when I surf down the face of a wave. My hope is not to grow up but to grow deeper into this enthusiasm, and not just when I play--but as I do everything. Never grow beyond the desire to explore, learn, love, live and to approach life with the playful faith of a child. Conversations Within” ts 11/29/2013 (Jax, FL)

“When you stop doing things for fun you might as well be dead.” Hemingway

““Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus

I love that childhood excitement that dances in me when I surf down the face of a wave. My hope is not to grow up but to grow deeper into this enthusiasm, and not just when I play--but as I do everything. Never grow beyond the desire to explore, learn, love, live and to approach life with the playful faith of a child. Conversations Within” ts 11/29/2013 (Jax, FL)

“La dolce far niente!”

“He made every tree that was pleasant to to eye and good for food.” Gen.2

It is quite clear that God wants us to celebrate life especially when you consider creation. When God created the world He made it so much more than functional. He added extras. He could have made the world black and white but He chose instead to paint it with color. He could have made food taste like cardboard but He embellished it with rich flavor. He even told us to take a break from work and set aside a whole day for what the Italians call “la dolce far niente”--the joy of doing nothing.  Conversations Within” ts 11/28/2013 (Jax, FL)

“La dolce far niente!”

“He made every tree that was pleasant to to eye and good for food.” Gen.2

It is quite clear that God wants us to celebrate life especially when you consider creation. When God created the world He made it so much more than functional. He added extras. He could have made the world black and white but He chose instead to paint it with color. He could have made food taste like cardboard but He embellished it with rich flavor. He even told us to take a break from work and set aside a whole day for what the Italians call “la dolce far niente”--the joy of doing nothing.  Conversations Within” ts 11/28/2013 (Jax, FL)

“This day will never happen again.” Unknown

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

The other day, someone asked the date of my birthday in a text message. Because we were discussing gift giving, I replied, “Everyday is my birthday!” Surely everyday should be a birthday to each of us. We should open the present of this day and embrace it as the gift that it is. And, we do well to remember that even though we may open this present one time, we can enjoy its fruit forever.  Conversations Within” ts 11/27/2013 (Jax, FL)

“This day will never happen again.” Unknown

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

The other day, someone asked the date of my birthday in a text message. Because we were discussing gift giving, I replied, “Everyday is my birthday!” Surely everyday should be a birthday to each of us. We should open the present of this day and embrace it as the gift that it is. And, we do well to remember that even though we may open this present one time, we can enjoy its fruit forever.  Conversations Within” ts 11/27/2013 (Jax, FL)

One bit of wisdom is learning to love what you do, not just do what you love.

“Always be dressed in white.” Ecc.9

I can put on my attitude just as I can put on my clothes. If you don’t like how the day is going, change shirts. I may not be able to change what happens but I can certainly change my approach to it. Choose to find joy in all you do. The idea of the verse above is to always wear your party clothes. Celebrate life, do not endure it.   Conversations Within” ts 11/26/2013 (Jax, FL)

One bit of wisdom is learning to love what you do, not just do what you love.

“Always be dressed in white.” Ecc.9

I can put on my attitude just as I can put on my clothes. If you don’t like how the day is going, change shirts. I may not be able to change what happens but I can certainly change my approach to it. Choose to find joy in all you do. The idea of the verse above is to always wear your party clothes. Celebrate life, do not endure it.   Conversations Within” ts 11/26/2013 (Jax, FL)